Archive - Illinois
Watchdogs: Gov’t Spent $196 Keeping Secrets For Every $1 Spent Declassifying Documents
The federal government has reduced the backlog of Freedom of Information requests by 40 percent, but still has a long way to go, a new secrecy report card says.
Welcome to the Nerd Blog
Introducing our new Nerd Blog, which will let technical readers know what ProPublica’s News Applications desk is up to.
Anthrax War — the Malaysian Connection
Fears about bioterrorism have prompted new efforts by corporations and governments worldwide to build defenses against germ attacks. But some of these arrangements themselves raise security issues.
Feds Sue Arizona Sheriff in Civil Rights Investigation
The controversial sheriff of Maricopa County, Ariz., is being sued by the feds, who say he isn’t cooperating with an investigation into whether he discriminates against Hispanics. It’s the third suit the Justice Department has filed over Arizona’s immigration policies.
Regulators Question If Market Manipulation Caused ‘Flash Crash’
The SEC is reportedly investigating whether traders use high frequency trading systems to clog stock exchanges on purpose.
Oil Sheen Reported After Another Rig Explodes in Gulf of Mexico
Another oil rig has exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in a mile-long oil sheen. While the rig is smaller and any potential for damage less than the BP spill, it still raises more questions about offshore oil operations.
Moody’s Escapes SEC Lawsuit, Now Moves to Shield Itself From Liability
As the major ratings agencies become a focus of more scrutiny from financial regulators, they are seeking to protect themselves from liability when they issue erroneous ratings.
Feds Warn Residents Near Wyoming Gas Drilling Sites Not to Drink Their Water
The federal government is warning residents in a small Wyoming town with extensive natural gas development not to drink their water, and to use fans and ventilation when showering or washing clothes in order to avoid the risk of an explosion.
The To-Do List Gets Longer for House Ethics Investigators
Long: The Office of Congressional Ethics recommends further investigation of Reps. John Campbell, Tom Price and Joseph Crowley. The House ethics committee will decide whether to add the cases to its growing docket.
Loan Mod Profiles: In Trial Limbo
Extended trial periods delay answers and cause problems for homeowners looking for permanent reductions to their monthly mortgage payments.
New Gulf Compensation Chief Lags in Processing Claims
Kenneth Feinberg’s new system for handling claims from the Gulf oil spill is already running into delays. Feinberg had guaranteed a two-day response time, but some claimants say it isn’t happening yet.
FDA's Findings on Salmonella-Linked Egg Farms: Mice, Maggots, Manure
After a salmonella outbreak, Food and Drug Administration inspectors find plentiful problems on two Iowa egg farms. The agency has begun inspections of all of the country's largest egg farms.
Justice Dept: No Charges Coming Soon Against Prisoner Who Was Waterboarded
Prosecutors have hit a wall in their case against Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, who is accused of masterminding the bombing of the USS Cole. Al-Nashiri, believed to be a close associate of Osama bin Laden, was waterboarded while in CIA custody
